Typically, biofouling and sediment loads are the dominant factors that degrade and limit the data quality. These factors can overwhelm inadequately protected sensors and invalidate their data—often in just a few days. Effective long term monitoring demands the highest data quality over weeks and months. The key to cost effective data collection requires a sensor package that can withstand the environmental hazards of coastal waters. The WQM employs active flow control, passive flow prevention, light-blocking, active biocide injection and passive inhibitors to effectively and safely combat internal and external fouling. With fouling minimized, the superior inherent stability of the WQM sensors translates directly to superior long-term data quality.

Cost effective—now and later

The cost of monitoring is tied to the instrument life cycle and real value is ultimately provided through quality data, day after day, month after month, year after year. The WQM provides quality data while dramatically reducing the need for field and factory service. The bottom line: the WQM delivers unequaled long-term data quality and minimizes operational and maintenance costs.